Being frugal is a worthwhile financial experience. Many Americans spend more than they earn, and they wonder why they end up in financial trouble with lenders. A frugal lifestyle means that you’ll save a decent amount of your after-tax dollars, and you’ll reach financial independence faster than most.
However, being frugal means that you give up plenty of creature comforts with the hope of increasing your bank account. Unfortunately, that’s no way to live your life. Being frugal might save you a ton of money, but what are you missing out on while you stack dollars in your bank account?
Some people get so tied up in the practice of being stingy with how they spend their money, that they find it difficult to let go and enjoy the money they make. We’re not suggesting you go and dump all of your savings on lifestyle expenses, but you can start to stretch your boundaries and reward yourself from time to time.
So, what’s worth purchasing using your hard-earned money? There are some items worth buying, and others you can do without in your life. We put together this list of essentials that are worth splashing out on with your savings.
When spending, it’s crucial you ask yourself how your purchase will serve your life. For instance, it might be worth spending that extra money on a new bed, because we use our bed every day. However, do you need a California king-size bed for your room? You could probably get away with a queen-size, and save yourself a few dollars on your purchase.
Take a look through the list, and decide what will make the best value-addition to your life – then spend some money, you deserve it.
Your Sleep
We spend a third of our lives asleep. Dr. Matthew Walker is a sleep expert with an interesting take on how it affects our lives. Walker suggests that sleep is as critical as the waking hours of our lives, and he has the data to back up his claims. People who don’t get enough sleep end up dying younger, and they’re at risk of developing dangerous medical conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s.
Therefore, splashing out on your bed-time gear is a great way to spend your money. Instead of going for the cheapest mattress in the showroom, live a little – your spine will thank you. Look at beds that offer a hybrid blend of supportive springs and memory foam. If you’ve never had the pleasure of sleeping on memory foam, then this purchase might revolutionize your sleeping habits.
Read: Thrift Store Shopping: 13 Things You Should Never Buy
Along with your new memory foam bed, consider purchasing a memory foam pillow. Traditional pillows flatten out overnight, creating a space between your neck and the surface of the bed. It’s for this reason that you end up waking up in the morning with a stiff neck.
Memory foam pillows keep your neck aligned during the night time, ensuring that you get a good night’s sleep. Memory foam mattresses and pillows are expensive, but they last you for 10-years or more.
Your Vision
Think about all of your senses. If you had to lose one of them, which one would you choose? Most people rate their vision as their most important sense. Considering the importance we place on eyesight in our life, understandably, people feel this way.
Many people refuse to get themselves a pair of glasses. For those that do, many end up choosing a pair off the rack at the local pharmacy. Why take a risk with your vision to save a few dollars? A trip to the optician for glasses fitment might be expensive, but it’s well worth the money when you consider the value it adds to your life.
Wearing those glasses off the rack from the pharmacy might end up progressing the degradation of your vision. By getting a custom-fitted pair of eyeglasses, you know that you’re getting the right prescription for your eyes.
Your Smile
When people look at you, their first impression counts. Opening your mouth to reveal a set of yellow-stained teeth doesn’t make you very attractive to anyone. Our teeth are a vital part of your appearance, and if you have dirty teeth, then the chances are you’ll want to hide your smile when you meet new people.
Visiting the dentist for a teeth-whitening session can bring confidence back to your smile. While you’re at it, toss out that old $5 toothbrush and spend some money on an electric version. Electric toothbrushes are far more effective at cleaning your teeth and preventing stains. By using an electric toothbrush, you brush your teeth using the optimal motion.
As a result, you’ll experience fewer cavities and gum problems, saving you money on dental expenses.
Clothing
When you go out clothes shopping, avoid the cheap clothing stores and splurge on some quality clothing. Sure, that suit on the rack might look affordable, but it leaves you looking like you dressed in a cheap suit. It might surprise you to learn how much your colleagues and boss invest in their wardrobe to their best.
When buying your clothes, focus on cost-per-wear, instead of the sales tag. Good quality clothing can last three or four times longer than cheaper clothing. The quality of the materials and artistry in the clothes means that the material doesn’t fade or go threadbare as fast as more inexpensive clothing.
Read: How to Dress Well on a Budget: Complete Guide
As a result, you’ll end up throwing out your cheap clothes much sooner than those that have a higher price tag. Focus on suits and shirts made from top-quality designers. It might seem like a waste of money buying that Armani suit and Hugo Boss shirt. However, when you show up for a meeting in your new outfit, everyone will notice, even if they don’t mention it to you.
Gym Membership
Some people hesitate to get a gym membership because they think they would rather see the $12 to $20 in their bank account. However, your health is a vital part of your lifestyle. If you’re overweight, then you’re at a higher risk of developing diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
Keeping your body fit helps you live a better life. You’ll have higher levels of energy, mobility, and strength, and you’ll stop feeling tired all the time.
Your Home
Are you thinking about buying a home? It’s a good idea to consider up-market properties in popular locations when looking for a mortgage. Prime property in locations such as school districts holds its value over time much better than properties in obscure areas of your city.
Instead of saving a few bucks buying real estate in areas that are cheap, look into regions that have higher valuations. Your home will appreciate over the years, and if you have a home in a trendy part of town, you’ll fetch a handsome profit when you sell in the future.
TV
Research shows that the average American spends around 5-hours watching TV every day. If you enjoy watching a movie with your partner or catching up on your favorite shows after a hard day at the office, then invest in a new TV.
TV technology is getting more affordable as the price of electronics continues to drop. Pick yourself out a decent size screen (we recommend above 50-inches), and you’ll never have to spend money going to the movies again.
Read: When is the Best Time to Buy Appliances? Complete Guide
Add a home theater system to your TV purchase, and you have a cinematic TV experience that can save you hundreds of dollars on movie tickets over the years. Many people hesitate when making this purchase as they feel like its splurging on something they don’t need.
However, entertainment is vital for helping you relax and unwind. If you enjoy watching TV, then why not treat yourself to something you can enjoy for years?
Cellphone
We live in the digital era of communications. Nowadays, if you want to chat with your parents who are visiting Thailand, all you need to do is pick up your phone. In seconds, you’re live on a face-time call, and you can see your parents as they enjoy their vacation.
Therefore, it makes sense to upgrade your phone to a new model. After all, research shows that the average American checks their phone 80-times per day. A new model phone safeguards you against the need to upgrade for the next few years, saving you money on your cellphone contract.
Wellness
You get home from the office, and your back is killing you. After a hard day, your neck might be feeling stiff, as well. It’s surprising how many Americans decide to avoid treatment for their physiological problems and turn to the medicine cabinet for help instead.
Your wellness matters, and leaving your body to deteriorate at the hands of your daily routine is senseless. Posture problems and muscle issues can dramatically reduce your quality of life, leading to the development of severe health disorders that cost you your mobility.
Spend money on yourself before anything else. Visits to the chiropractor can remove your back pain and align your hips. A visit to the acupuncturist or massage therapist helps your muscles unwind, removing any tightness or dysfunction in your ligaments and joints. That strategy is far better for your health than popping a pill.
Vacation
Many people feel like they’ll take a vacation when they have to retire. While you’re young, it’s time to work – right? Sure, working really hard for a few decades might earn you more money, but at what cost? If you end up at your retirement date, and you’ve never even left your state, what kind of life did you live?
Taking a vacation is a great way to relieve the stresses of your work. A vacation gets you out to a new destination, where you can experience new cultures and places. Visiting an exotic destination isn’t always necessary to enjoy a vacation. There are plenty of places to see right here in the U.S.
Read: Cheap Vacation Ideas: Budget-Friendly Trips Guide
Taking regular vacations is a great way to motivate you to hit your life goals, including your financial targets. Plus, you’ll have plenty of cool stories to tell your friends and family.
Food
You are what you eat. We’ve all heard that phrase, but many of us choose to avoid the wisdom in these words. If your diet consists of fast food and sugary soda more than a few times a week, then it’s time to evaluate your diet. Everything that passes your neck can heal or harm you – So, what does your diet look like?
One visit to Whole Foods can leave a frugal person in shock as they stare at their basket and compare it to the till receipt. The sad fact is that real, nutritious food is expensive.
However, eating well increases your metabolism and ramps up your immune system., As a result, you’ll get sick less often, and you’ll maintain healthy body weight. Therefore, you can expect to avoid any diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis, if you maintain a healthy diet.
Read: How to Save Money on Groceries: Complete Guide
What Matters to You?
Spending money on any of the items on this list is a frugal person’s worst nightmare. However, sometimes you have to learn to let go and enjoy yourself. While we all dream of early retirement, most of us don’t want to spend it in poor physical and mental health.
By spending your money on things that matter in your life, you improve your situation. The knock-on effect of improving your mental and physical health is enormous. However, you might find that it takes you a while to get into the groove of enjoying your money.
Start with the little things in life that can give you joy. For instance, if you’re going out for a nice meal this week, order yourself a bottle of Pinot to go along with that rib-eye and salad. Instead of opting for the bus, take an Uber and ride in comfort.
By taking baby steps with your spending, you’ll eventually break your frugal habits, allowing you to use your money to enjoy your life, instead of using your life to enjoy your money.
